HOMER — It's been a while since the Banks County boys were able to call themselves region champions. In fact, even coach Mike Cleveland wasn't entirely sure when queried about it Thursday night.
After Friday night, no one will have to wonder again after the Leopards claimed the crown with a 76-68 win over Monticello in the finals of the Region 8-AA Tournament.
It was just the opposite for the Rabun County girls. The Lady Wildcats captured their third consecutive 8-AA crown with a 78-67 win over Banks County.
The Leopards (22-4) used a 12-2 run to open the game, led 22-8 after the first quarter, and then held off a series of runs by Monticello (18-8) over the final three quarter.
The Hurricanes pulled within 39-39 by halftime but Banks County pushed the back to 59-48 heading into the fourth quarter. Monticello was able to get within eight points twice but no closer.
Freshman Carl Cleveland led Banks County with 21 points. Kahmal Wiley added 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Darius Bonds had six points, five rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks.
Ashton Bonner led Monticello with a game-high 29 points.
In the girls games, it was nip-and-tuck affair early on with the Lady Wildcats holding a slim 18-16 lead. But they used a 12-2 spurt to open the second quarter to take control and eventually go into halftime with a 44-33 advantage.
The Lady Leopards did not go away, though. They climbed within 44-37 in the opening minute but Rabun County responded with a 14-7 run for a 58-44 late third quarter.
Banks County could only get as close as the final score the rest of the way.
Laken Stiles led Rabun County with 18 points. Savanna Scott added 14 points, Georgia Stockton 13 points, and Hallie Reeves 11 for the Lady Wildcats.
All four teams will play host to first round games next week when the Class AA tournament begins. They will have to wait until Sunday, however, to find out their first round opponents.
